Former Manchester United attacking midfielder Paul Scholes has expressed doubts about Joshua Zirkzee's performance at the club.

The criticism stemmed from the player's barren run in front of the goal.

Zirkzee, a Dutch international, joined Manchester United from Bologna over the summer.

He scored his first goal for Manchester United against Fulham, but hasn't scored again in nine games.

United have similarly struggled this season, winning only three of their eleven games in all competitions.

Speaking on SuperSport Studio after Sunday's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa, Scholes claimed that Manchester United's current striker options are inadequate.

"I don't think the quality is there, especially in the forward areas. We went back to the most successful teams, they’re capable of scoring goals. What have we scored? Five goals in seven games,” the ex-England international said.

"Now, we had three or four forwards that could score 20 goals each, so you're looking at 80 goals every season, which I don't see in Manchester United's forward line.


"Look, [Rasmus] Hojlund does well, but will he score you 20 goals? I do not think so. Zirkzee…what is he? Is he ranked No. 9 or No. 10? Is he going to get you twenty goals? I do not think so. I believe they are banking on hope rather than proven quality, and they have also invested a significant amount of money."